Ring Dosimeters Research Articles

Occupational doses to cardiologists performing fluoroscopically-guided procedures

Interventional cardiologists (ICs) receive the largest radiation dose of any medical specialist working with X-ray techniques. The aim of present study has been to obtain dose estimates received by ICs during fluoroscopically-guided imaging and interventional procedures. TLDs in the form of badges, rings, and chips have been used, measuring Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) as appropriate. During the course of 41 coronary angiography (CAG) cases, 50 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) cases and 9 (CAG + PCI) procedures, cardiologist doses to the skin of the hands, upper neck area and to the eyes were assessed. Two-TLD badges were placed at the level of the Pb-composite collar exterior to the shielding, with a further two placed under and two more over the Pb-composite apron. Four chip-form TLDs were positioned above the eyebrows (two for the right- and two for the left eye), and two ring dosimeters were worn on the left and right hands. Cardiologist doses correlated with total fluoroscopy time over the five month period of the survey, the annual effective doses received by the body, eyes, hands and upper trunk area being estimated to be 8.0-, 10.7-, 24.3- and 10.2 mSv respectively, all well below the ICRP recommended equivalent dose limits, indicating well-controlled radiation protection practices.

Use of real-time electronic Silicon diode extremity dose detectors; towards optimising monitoring and radiopharmacy technique

Extremity radiation doses are typically monitored using ring dosimeters worn at the base of the palmar side of the index finger. This measurement does not represent the maximum extremity doses received; however, fingertip dose can be estimated by multiplying by a factor of 3, as recommended by ICRP. Indeed, the literature reports a considerable factor range, between 1.5 and 7 and, furthermore, there is debate as to whether the non-dominant or dominant index finger should be monitored. Ring dosimeters provide monthly dose information but do not provide shorter term data which may inform on radiopharmacy technique optimisation. Accordingly, using ED3 Si diode Hp(0.07) electronic dosimeters, this study sought to establish optimum ring dosimeter placement, operator specific maximum extremity dose correction factors and to examine radiopharmacy operator technique towards optimising extremity dose. Si diode detectors were attached to the index fingertips of radiopharmacy operators, recording real-time dosimetry data at 2 s intervals. After an initial session, an educational discussion was carried out, reviewing dosimetry data and identifying potential areas for technique improvement. A subsequent radiopharmacy session was then monitored. After educational sessions we demonstrated a 35% and 48% reduction, respectively, in dose per unit activity for bone radiopharmaceutical kit and injection preparation, which together accounted for 60% of extremity doses received. This work will discuss the technique optimisation employed. Further, simultaneous dose measurement of fingertip and base of non-dominant index finger, together with ring dosimeter data, allowed for more accurate estimation of the maximum extremity dose received for each operator.

Radiation Exposure to Surgeon and Assistant During Flat Panel Mini C-Arm Fluoroscopy in Hand and Wrist Surgical Procedures.

During mini C-arm fluoroscopy, both the patient and surgical team are exposed to scatter radiation. The objective of this study was to quantify body, thyroid, and hand radiation exposure to surgeon and assistant during intraoperative use of flat panel mini C-arm fluoroscopy in hand and wrist surgical procedures. Over 5 months, the surgeon's and assistant's radiation exposure was recorded during all osseous hand and wrist surgical procedures. Whole-body and thyroid radiation exposure were measured with 2 types of dosimeters: a photon thermoluminescence detector and a RaySafe i2 real-time dosimeter. Ring dosimeters were used to quantify hand radiation exposure. Mini C-arm fluoroscopy was used in 94 surgical procedures. Total fluoroscopy time was 1,996 seconds and varied between surgical procedures (range, 1-152 seconds; median, 11 seconds). No thermoluminescence detector photon dosimeter exceeded the threshold limit of 0.1 mSv. The RaySafe i2 real-time dosimeters recorded a cumulated dose of 0.029 mSv for the body and 0.012 mSv for the thyroid position of the surgeon. The assistant received a cumulated dose of 0.011 mSv for the body and 0.011 mSv for the thyroid position. The ring dosimeters showed a cumulated dosage of 1.28 mSv for the surgeon and 0.20 mSv for the assistant. Our results show that the surgeon's and assistant's body, thyroid, and hands were exposed to acceptable levels of scatter radiation during intraoperative use of the flat panel mini C-arm. The surgeon received the highest radiation exposure: 2.9% of the yearly radiation limits for the body, 0.05% for the thyroid position, and 2.56% for the hands. The assistant was exposed to less scatter radiation: 1.1% for the body, 0.04% for the thyroid, and 0.4% for the hands. This study quantified radiation levels to which surgeon and assistant are exposed during mini C-arm fluoroscopy in hand and wrist surgical procedures.

Dosimetry perspectives in radiation synovectomy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can potentially damage the synovial joints. One of the effective treatment modality for RA is radiation synovectomy (RSV) where properly selected radionuclide is injected into the joint space, enabling controlled destruction of diseased synovial membrane via radiation exposure. Radiation dosimetry in RSV appears challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of synovial membrane, nonuniform distribution and leakage of radionuclide from the synovial cavity. This article reviews the dosimetric perspective pertaining to RSV. Specifically, characteristics of radionuclide for RSV and radiation dose to target and non-target (i.e., articular cartilage, bone, bloodstream, gonads, etc.) tissues of patient have been discussed. The personal dose Hp(0.07) to the hands of medical staff (i.e., radiochemist, therapist physician, nurse) may be considerably high due to handling of high specific activities (∼500 MBq/ml for Y-90); such doses are typically measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) ring dosimeters and ranges from 1 to 21.5, 0.1 to 40 and 0.1 to 5 µSv/MBq for the radiochemist, therapist physician and the nurse, respectively. Methods to minimize radiation doses to the patient, medical staff and public are elaborated. Contamination risks and precautionary measures are also reported.

Experience with instrumental methods in radiopharmacy as a tool of radiation protection optimization

Abstract Background: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effect of instrumental methods in radiopharmacy on radiation exposure of the staff preparing radiopharmaceuticals. Methods: Instrumental methods in radiopharmacy are used since 2004 as a tool of radiation protection optimization for the pharmacists after positron-emission tomography (PET) introduction to the department of nuclear medicine of Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (MMCI) in 2003. During 14 years of providing PET radiopharmaceuticals, different equipment and processes were used—DDS-A, μDDS-A and KARl100 (all Tema Sinergie). The increase in a number of instrumental equipment—2 μDDS-A and 1 KARl100, allows preparing 3 different radiopharmaceutical for PET (either [18F]FDG, [18F]FLT, [18F]NaF, [18F]choline, [18F]Vizamyl, [18C]methionine) in 1 day. The radiation exposure to the radiopharmacists was evaluated from ring dosimeters. Results: The introduction of PET in 2003 led to rise of the radiation dose over legislation limits to the radiopharmacists with personal maximum of 814.4 mSv/y for hands. As a tool of optimization, instrumental preparing radiopharmaceuticals for PET using DDS-A was introduced. In 2004, rapid reduction of radiation dose was recorded to personal maximum of 106.97 mSv/y for hands. The increase of number and types of PET radiopharmaceuticals used during 1 day required upgrade of equipment used and increase in its number. In 2009, former DDS-A was replaced by 2 μDDS-A. Another tool, KARl100 was installed in 2016. This led to further significant reduction of radiation dose to personal maximum of 24.91 mSv/y for hands. Conclusions: Introduction of PET and the need to prepare several different types of radiopharmaceutical lead to rise of radiation exposure and received dose of radiopharmacists. Introduction of instrumental methods in radiopharmacy is a tool for radiation protection optimization. In conclusion, it is the possible to state that instrumental methods in radiopharmacy have a significant effect on radiation protection of the radiopharmacists.

Radiation Exposure to the Hand of a Spinal Interventionalist during Fluoroscopically Guided Procedures.

Study DesignProspective study.PurposeDuring fluoroscopically guided spinal procedure, the hands of spinal surgeons are placed close to the field of radiation and may be exposed to ionizing radiation. This study directly measured the radiation exposure to the hand of a spinal interventionalist during fluoroscopically guided procedures.Overview of LiteratureFluoroscopically guided spinal procedures have been reported to be a cause for concern due to the radiation exposure to which their operators are exposed.MethodsThis prospective study evaluated the radiation exposure of the hand of one spinal interventionalist during 52 consecutive fluoroscopic spinal procedures over a 3-month period. The interventionalist wore three real-time dosimeters secured to the right forearm, under the lead apron over the chest, and outside the lead apron over the chest. Additionally, one radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter was placed under the lead apron over the left chest and one ring radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter was worn on the right thumb. The duration of exposure and radiation dose were measured for each procedure.ResultsThe average radiation exposure dose per procedure was 14.9 µSv, 125.6 µSv, and 200.1 µSv, inside the lead apron over the chest, outside the lead apron over the chest, and on the right forearm, respectively. Over the 3-month period, the protected radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter over the left chest recorded less than the minimum reportable dose, whereas the radiophotoluminescence glass ring dosimeter recorded 368 mSv for the thumb.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that the cumulative radiation dose measured at the dominant hand may exceed the annual dose limit specified by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Spinal interventionalists should take special care to limit the duration of fluoroscopy and radiation exposure.

Radiation exposure and the orthopedic surgeon's hand: Measurement of the equivalent dose over 13 months

Exposure to ionizing radiation in the operating room is governed by practical prevention and protection measures on the international, national and local levels. We evaluated the equivalent dose to the hand of an orthopedic surgeon over 13 months. An orthopedic surgeon wore a ring dosimeter on the ring finger of his right hand for all surgical procedures requiring intraoperative fluoroscopy between March 2014 and April 2015. Monthly doses were evaluated by the IRSN over the study period. The number and type of procedures were compiled as well as the type of fluoroscopy unit used. Four hundred procedures were performed during this period, including 182 with fluoroscopy. The equivalent cumulative dose at the hand was 4,75 mSv. No correlation was found with the type of procedure or type of fluoroscopy unit (conventional or mini C-arm). Equivalent doses were below the annual regulatory limit in France of 500 mSv. These results are consistent with those reported in the literature. However, recent studies have noted that both younger surgeons in training and more experienced surgeons must remember to use radiation protection measures.

Test of ring, eye lens and whole body dosemeters for the dose quantity Hp(3) to be used in interventional radiology

In its statement on tissue reactions approved on 21st April 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP, 2012) reviewed its recommendation concerning the equivalent dose limit for the eye lens and reduced the dose limits for occupationally exposed persons to 20 mSv in a year, averaged over defined periods of 5 years, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv. This limit was approved and written down in the new EURATOM (European Atomic Energy Community) directive 2013/59 and in the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) BSS (Basic Safety Standard) of July 2014.For that reason, the necessity to monitor the eye lens may become more important than it was before. However, specially dedicated dosemeters for the dose quantity Hp(3) are using very rarely. Commonly use are only whole body personal dosemeters for the personal dose equivalent quantities Hp(10) worn on the trunk and ring dosemeters worn on finger to measure the quantity Hp(0.07).Therefore, in this work it was investigated whether dosemeters from routine use calibrated in terms of Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) and worn on thyroid collar and protective apron could deliver similar results like dedicated eye lens dosemeter worn close to the eyes.The results show that the best method if dedicated eye lens dosimeters is not used is to measure doses in terms of Hp(0.07) on the thyroid collar (Pearson product, r=0.85). Obtained results shows also importance of proper localization of eye lens dosimeter (close to the eye, from side of the X-ray source).

Hand exposure of workers in 18F-FDG production centre

18F-FDG is the most popular radiopharmaceutical used, among others, in oncological diagnostics by PET technique. The production of 18F-FDG is a multistep process that begins by obtaining the radioisotope 18F, and subsequently labelling the radiopharmaceutical, as well as quality control of the resulting compound. In each of these stages, the employee has contact with ionizing radiation. The production of 18F requires the use of a cyclotron device. Currently in Poland, there are 9 centres equipped with a cyclotron for the production of positron-emitting radioisotopes.The monitoring of the occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in these centres is performed by measuring the effective and equivalent dose. Neither of these forms fully reflects the exposure of the worker, which is largely associated with handling procedures. The 18F radiopharmaceutical preparation process runs automatically, which partially reduces the level of staff exposure, but the quality control step of the pharmaceutical requires handling procedures with a vial containing an activity of a radiopharmaceutical ranging from 4 GBq to 10 GBq.In the work presented, measurements were performed of hand exposure, in units the equivalent dose (Hp(0.07)), of the staff who are involved in the procedures of 18F-FDG production in one of the national production centres. The high-sensitivity thermoluminescent detectors (MCP) were used to measure the doses.The measurements were performed for three groups of workers: operators of the cyclotron, those who produce the 18F-FDG, and quality control staff. Detectors were placed on the fingertips of the left and right hand, as well as in a standard ring dosemeter location.The results indicate that the largest exposure happens among the group of workers involved in the radiopharmaceutical’s quality control. The doses recorded by the MCP detectors placed on the fingertips during one working day reach a value up to 2 mSv, which may result in exceeding the annual dose limit (500 mSv).

Dose reassessment method in thermoluminescent dosimetry by using the PTTL phenomena – A usefull tool

Introduction Reassessment of doses in film and OSL dosimetry is well known and standard method in contrary to TL dosimetry. By using the phototransferred thermoluminescence (PTTL) method which consist of the first readout, UV exposure and second readout it is possible to reassess doses in TL dosimetry. Purpose The PTTL method was developed and applied to reassess doses in whole body and ring dosimetry at Laboratory of Individual and Environmental Laboratory at IFJ PAN. Materials and methods Standard MTS-N (LiF: Mg, Ti) sintered thermoluminescent detectors (4.5 mm diameter and 0.9 mm thickness for whole body dosimeters and 0.7 mm thickness for ring dosimeters) have been applied. Some of them were used in routine control since 12 years. The TL detectors were read in automatic RE200 (Rados Oy, Finland) readers. After readout the PTTL method was applied. Detectors were subjected to UV radiation (254 nm length) and read once again in a reader. Results The PTTL method was applied to dose reassessment in individual and ring dosimetry. The reassessed doses are observed to be linear over the dose range 5–100 mSv in whole body dosimetry and 5–1000 mSv in ring dosimetry. Conclusion Due to checking behavior of different batches and different dose history it is possible to observe influence of residual dose to the PTTL effect. By using the PTTL method it is possible to reassess doses in whole body and ring dosimetry.

Clinical Issues—July 2016

Wearing ring dosimeters Key words: dosimeter, ring dosimeters, finger dosimeters. Reporting a retained surgical item (RSI) Key words: reportable event, retained surgical item, RSI, retained foreign object, counts. Definition of an implant Key words: implant, implant documentation. Determining whether RN first assistants (RNFAs) must maintain CNOR certification to practice Key words: CNOR, CRNFA, RNFA, first assistant, RN first assistant. Definition of personal protective equipment (PPE) Key words: personal protective equipment, PPE, surgical attire, removing PPE.

Strategies for assessment of doses to the tips of the fingers in nuclear medicine

Staff manipulating radiopharmaceuticals in radiopharmacies and nuclear medicine departments can receive significant radiation doses to the tips of their fingers. However, dosemeters for monitoring the fingers are frequently attached to a ring worn at the base of the finger and the doses recorded are significantly lower. Therefore a correction factor is required to estimate the dose to the finger tip from that recorded by a ring dosemeter. A survey of practices in UK nuclear medicine departments has been undertaken via a questionnaire, results of studies in the literature reporting ratios of doses to the tip and base of the finger reviewed, and patterns of finger exposure studied using an electronic dosemeter. The survey indicates that UK staff use vial and syringe shields for the majority of manipulations. Ratios between doses to the tip and base of the index finger reported in the literature vary between 2 and 6. Higher ratios appear to be associated with poor protection practices including not using syringe shields and use of a finger to support a syringe needle. Staff are recommended to wear dosemeters on the palmar side of the index finger of each hand. Dosemeters worn at the finger tips are ideal, but doses to the tips can be estimated from ring dosemeters worn on the index fingers, and factors that can be used for this are proposed. For staff who always use vial and syringe shields and never touch the syringe needle or vial a factor of 3 is appropriate. For staff who mostly use syringe shields and may occasionally support a needle during an injection, a factor of 4 can be used, while for others a factor of 6 should be applied.

Individual Monitoring and Occupational Dose Record Management in China: History, Current Status and Perspectives.

This review paper presents an overview of individual monitoring, as well as the national dose register and dose record management of radiation workers in China. Progress has recently been made on the individual monitoring of radiation workers. A critical analysis of current status and problems in individual monitoring is also presented and necessary future research on individual monitoring, such as the monitoring technology in the form of the ring dosimeters and eye lens dosimeters, is suggested.

MP19-15 RADIATION EXPOSURE OF THE SURGEON: BENEFIT AND PRACTICABILITY OF A LEAD-ACRYL SHIELD FOR URETEROSCOPY

You have accessJournal of UrologyImaging/Radiology: Uroradiology III1 Apr 2016MP19-15 RADIATION EXPOSURE OF THE SURGEON: BENEFIT AND PRACTICABILITY OF A LEAD-ACRYL SHIELD FOR URETEROSCOPY Thomas Knoll, Jan Peter Jessen, Heiko Kohns, Roland Steiner, Roland Umbach, and Gunnar Wendt-Nordahl Thomas KnollThomas Knoll More articles by this author , Jan Peter JessenJan Peter Jessen More articles by this author , Heiko KohnsHeiko Kohns More articles by this author , Roland SteinerRoland Steiner More articles by this author , Roland UmbachRoland Umbach More articles by this author , and Gunnar Wendt-NordahlGunnar Wendt-Nordahl More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.2763AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Patients with urolithiasis are exposed to significant radiation due to imaging for diagnosis, intraoperative management and follow-up. The need for repeated imaging is therefore weighted against potential hazards of radiation. However, radiation protection is as well a serious issue for endourologists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit and practicability of a lead-acryl shield during ureteroscopy (URS). METHODS We performed a prospective evaluation of 30 consecutive rigid and flexible URS for ureteral and renal calculi. All procedures were done on a fluoroscopic working place (over-the-table fluoroscopy source, Primera 360, Storz Medical, Switzerland) under video-endoscopic control. The patients were divided into two groups with or without use of a ceiling-mounted, mobile lead-acryl shield (30x50cm, lead equivalent 0.5 mm, Mavig, Germany) placed at the level of the symphysis, protecting the head and chest of the surgeon. Dose-area product (mGy/m2, DAP) was assessed. The surgeon's radiation exposure was measured with a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) at the forehead and one at the ring finger (as control below the shield). RESULTS Mean age of patients was in 48.1 yrs. in control and 49.5 yrs. in lead group (n.s.). BMI was 26.3 and 28.0 (n. s). OR time was slightly shorter in the control (39.2 vs. 53.9 min., p=0.2) and a consecutively lower DAP of 390.0 vs. 642.7 mGy/m2 (p=0.01). In contrast, the forehead exposure was lower in the acryl-lead group (13.9 vs. 33.7 µSv, p=0.035). There was no difference for the ring dosimeter exposure (p=0.6). The practicability rating was variable, mainly surgeon-specific. While one surgeon felt comfortable with the shield, others felt limited by it. CONCLUSIONS Surgeons should be aware of their high radiation exposure when performing URS. Measures to protect the OR staff are mandatory. Our new concept of using an acryl-lead shield demonstrates a clear reduction in head and chest exposure. However, this device should be optimized for the use in URS to maintain full maneuverability to the surgeon. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e209-e210 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Thomas Knoll More articles by this author Jan Peter Jessen More articles by this author Heiko Kohns More articles by this author Roland Steiner More articles by this author Roland Umbach More articles by this author Gunnar Wendt-Nordahl More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Radiation exposure to nuclear medicine staffs during 18F-FDG PET/CT procedures at Ramathibodi Hospital

The aim of this study is to estimate the whole body and finger radiation doses per study received by nuclear medicine staff involved in dispensing, administration of 18F-FDG and interacting with radioactive patients during PET/CT imaging procedures in a PET/CT facility. The whole-body doses received by radiopharmacists, technologists and nurses were measured by electronic dosimeter and the finger doses by ring dosimeter during a period of 4 months. In 70 PET/CT studies, the mean whole-body dose per study to radiopharmacist, technologist, and nurse were 1.07±0.09, 1.77±0.46, μSv, and not detectable respectively. The mean finger doses per study received by radiopharmacist, technologist, and nurse were 265.65±107.55, 4.84±1.08 and 19.22±2.59 μSv, respectively. The average time in contact with 18F-FDG was 5.88±0.03, 39.06±1.89 and 1.21±0.02 minutes per study for radiopharmacist, technologist and nurse respectively. Technologists received highest mean effective whole- body dose per study and radiopharmacist received the highest finger dose per study. When compared with the ICRP dose limit, each individual worker can work with many more 18F- FDG PET/CT studies for a whole year without exceeding the occupational dose limits. This study confirmed that low levels of radiation does are received by our medical personnel involved in 18F-FDG PET/CT procedures.

Radiation Exposure and Hand Dominance Using Mini C-Arm Fluoroscopy in Hand Surgery.

The mini C-arm is popular with hand surgeons, and they are particularly at risk for radiation exposure, as they cannot easily distance themselves from the radiation beam. We hypothesized that the nondominant hand receives more radiation exposure than the dominant hand as it is generally closer to the radiation source. This study seeks to determine whether a hand surgeon receives a different amount of radiation exposure to their hands based on hand dominance and then accounting for this, provide a more accurate assessment of hand radiation exposure from mini C-arm fluoroscopy. Two fellowship-trained hand surgeons wore ring dosimeters on both hands during surgeries with mini C-arm fluoroscopy involving bony work of the forearm and hand. Radiation exposure to the hands was measured from ring dosimeters. Six-ring dosimeter pairs were worn during 64 cases, averaging 10.7 cases per ring. No ring met the minimal dose threshold of 30 mrem to record a numerical value. Each ring experienced an average of 413 seconds of fluoroscopy time and 66.3509 cGy*cm(2) of radiation output from the mini C-arm. The results do not allow comparison of radiation exposure related to hand dominance. Assuming worst-case scenario: each ring measured 29 mrem (just below the threshold), the surgeon's hands experienced 2.7 mrem per case. This would allow a hand surgeon to perform 18 391 cases per year before exceeding the allowable annual hand exposure limit of 50 000 mrem set by the National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements and International Commission on Radiological Protection.

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO PERFORM THE ISOTROPY TEST FOR EXTREMITY DOSEMETERS.

The requirements for determining extremity dosemeter performance have evolved over the past decade. In 2010, the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) adopted a national protocol with performance requirements based on ISO 12794. Because of the lack of symmetry of ISO 4037-3 calibration phantoms, the isotropy test set up in the sagittal plane presented several challenges both for individual monitoring services and for calibration labs. This article proposes and validates a practical approach to reduce the number of irradiations. Results show that wrist and ring dosemeters in this study meet the ISO 12794 requirements for the isotropy test. However, additional studies would be needed to verify the newer IEC 62387 Standard.

Gafchromic XR-QA2 film as a complementary dosimeter for hand-monitoring in CTF-guided biopsies.

Computed tomography fluoroscopy (CTF) is a useful imaging technique to guide biopsies, particularly lung biopsies, but it also has the potential for very high hand exposures, despite use of quick‐check method and needle holders whenever feasible. Therefore, reliable monitoring is crucial to ensure the safe use of CTF. This is a challenge, because ring dosimeters monitor exposure only at the base of one finger, while the fingertips may be exposed to the highly collimated CT beam. In this work we have explored the possibility of using Gafchromic XR‐QA2 self‐developing film as a complementary dosimeter to quantify hand exposure during CTF‐guided biopsies. A glove used in a previous study and designed to contain 11 TLDs was adapted to include Gafchromic strips 7 mm wide, covering the fingers. A total of 22 biopsies were successfully performed wearing this GafTLD glove under sterile gloves, and the IR reported no difficulty or reduction of dexterity while wearing it. Comparison of dose distributions obtained from digitization of the Gafchromic film strips and absolute Hp(0.07) readings from TLDs showed good agreement, despite some positional uncertainty due to relative movement. Per procedure, doses at the base of the ring finger can be as low as 3%–8% of hand dose maximum. Accumulated dose at the base of the ring finger was four times lower than the dose maximum.PACS numbers: 07.57.Kp, 29.40.‐n, 85.25.Pb, 87.57.qp

Occupational radiation exposure of medical staff performing ⁹⁰Y-loaded microsphere radioembolization.

Radioembolization of liver cancer with (90)Y-loaded microspheres is increasingly used but data regarding hospital staff exposure are scarce. We evaluated the radiation exposure of medical staff while preparing and injecting (90)Y-loaded glass and resin microspheres especially in view of the increasing use of these products. Exposure of the chest and finger of the radiopharmacist, nuclear medicine physician and interventional radiologist during preparation and injection of 78 glass microsphere preparations and 16 resin microsphere preparations was monitored. Electronic dosimeters were used to measure chest exposure and ring dosimeters were used to measure finger exposure. Chest exposure was very low for both products used (<10 μSv from preparation and injection). In our experience, finger exposure was significantly lower than the annual limit of 500 mSv for both products. With glass microspheres, the mean finger exposure was 13.7 ± 5.2 μSv/GBq for the radiopharmacist, and initially 17.9 ± 5.4 μSv/GBq for the nuclear medicine physician reducing to 13.97 ± 7.9 μSv/GBq with increasing experience. With resin microspheres, finger exposure was more significant: mean finger exposure for the radiopharmacist was 295.1 ± 271.9 μSv/GBq but with a reduction with increasing experience to 97.5 ± 35.2 μSv/GBq for the six most recent dose preparations. For administration of resin microspheres, the greatest mean finger exposure for the nuclear medicine physician (the most exposed operator) was 235.5 ± 156 μSv/GBq. Medical staff performing (90)Y-loaded microsphere radioembolization procedures are exposed to safe levels of radiation. Exposure is lower than that from treatments using (131)I-lipiodol. The lowest finger exposure is from glass microspheres. With resin microspheres finger exposure is acceptable but could be optimized in accordance with the ALARA principle, and especially in view of the increasing use of radioembolization.

HAND DOSE EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED STAFF IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE.

Manipulation of unsealed radiation sources in nuclear medicine (NM) departments involves non-uniform exposure to staff and high skin doses to the upper extremities from direct and scattered radiations. Conducted studies have shown that the annual dose limits could be exceeded and the continuous dose monitoring of NM worker's hands is needed. The aim of this article is to show results of hand dose monitoring in terms of operational quantity Hp(0.07) for occupationally exposed NM workers to beta and gamma radiations in the largest NM centre in Serbia. Dose assessment was done by means of thermoluminescent ring dosemeters DXT-RAD (LiF:Mg,Ti). Monthly and annual doses were evaluated for a 5-y period (2010-14). Monitored NM staff was categorised according to the type of work, as nurses, radiographers, laboratory technicians and radiochemists. Performed evaluation showed that annual hand doses were within the annual limit for all staff categories, but further optimisation of working practice is needed.